The name Hester

[Farmer98755]

What comes to mind when you think of the name Hester? Do you like it? i really love it but scared of people reactions.

It reminds me of The Bus Girls, and a girl called Hetty. Someone asks her if it's short for Hortense and she says, no, Hester. I like it.

I honestly think it is hideous. I'm always surprised it gets so much love on MN....

I like it, I also like Hestia.

I’m afraid it reminds me of rotting flesh due to the similarity to ‘fester.’ Oddly Esther doesn’t have the same effect, so it must be something to do with the spelling or the extra consonant.

I do love HDM and Hester the hare, but just can’t get over the first connection.

Think of The Scarlet letter.

I wanted Hester for our daughter, so I obviously love it. The Scarlet Letter was my reference point.
Anyway my husband thought it sounded too harsh, so we went for Hestia in the end.

Mortal engines main female character. Loved it since I read the first book

Many people (especially those of a certain age or in the US) will automatically think of the Scarlett Letter for Hester - might not be a bad thing as although the character is a "fallen woman", she's also a kind of feminist icon. I like Hester btw - it has a quirky, sort of arty/bohemian sound to me. As pp mentioned, Hetty is also a nice nn if she wants one.

I really don't like it.

I like it. A family friend is called Hester, she is lovely so I immediately thought of her when I saw your thread.

People can be lovely independently of their name.

Don't like it at all sorry

Yes, I love it. Go for it!

She will wear smocks and speak her mind.

Scarlet Letter

I love it, also love Hebe which is a bit of a similar vibe.

All the Hesters I know are really nice, interesting, determined people, so I think it's a lovely name.

I love it.
Whatever name you pick someone will hate it, choose what you love and what you feel suits her.

What @TwoLeftSocksWithHoles said.
It makes me think of Julia McKenzie in the old TV sitcom Fresh Fields.

I like it and immediately have literary connections:

Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter
And
Hester the daemon in His Dark Materials

As a name I actually really like it.

My dog was called Hester after His Dark Materials. Very happy associations here 😀

I prefer Esther but there is nothing wrong with it - I don’t think it’s especially marmite either. I have only known one when I was at school, so it’s unusual without being out there which is a bonus.

Another one here who thinks of the 80's Sitcom Fresh/French Fields. But i'm slightly ancient.

I don't love it. Sorry, OP. With my accent, it sounds like i'm trying to say Chester.

The HDM association is a good one, much better than Lyra. Really like it.

I like it! Also on my list but not sure I'd be brave enough. Think it's quite an old English name.

I love it. In fact, I love it so much I used it for DD. We’re in London, so she inevitably ends up being “Esther” a lot of the time.